Cotton-press



(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheetl.

- S. D. MURRAY.

GOTTONIIRESS. No. 532,386. Patented Jan.-8, 1895.;

UNITED STATE PATENT OFFlC-Et STEPHEN D. MURRAY, OF DALLAS, 'ASSIGNOR TO THE REMBERT ROLLER COMPRESS COMPANY, OF GALVESTON, TEXAS..

COTTON-PRESS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 532,386, dated January 8, 1 895.

Dallas, in the county of Dallas and State of Texas, have invented new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Compressing and Baling Cotton, of which the following is a specification. 1

This invention relates to that type of ap paratus adapted for continuously compressing and baling cotton in juxtaposition to the ginning machinery, by conducting cotton from the condenser to compressing rolls operating to progressively compress the tluif y mass into a compact hat or sheet which is laid in folds or laps and subsequently moved or transferred to a suitable baling press and subjected to final pressure to expel the air from between the folds or laps and enable the bale or package tobe tied while under pressure, particularly as described in Letters Patent No. 441,022, issued November 18,1890, to the Rembert Roller Compress Company.

The chief object of 'the present invention is to simplify apparatus of the general character alluded to, and render the same more edective, rapid, and desirable in practicable operation, for producing greater density and weight in proportion to the size of the bale or package.

The invention also has for its objects to distribute the cotton equally and uniformly in folds or laps in a folding chamber and then carry the same into a press box or chamber adapted to move or travel at the proper time for transferring the folded or lapped cotton bat or sheet to another point for the applica tion of the final pressure to expel the air; to effectually prevent the folds or laps of the bat or sheet from expanding in the folding chamber during the folding operation, whereby a high degree of density and great weight are obtained in a bale of comparatively small dimensions or size; to provide more efficient,

practicable and useful means whereby it is possible to rapidly transfer the folded or lapped portions of the bat or sheet to a baling press for final pressure and the application of the ties, without interfering with or interrupting the continuity of action of the ginning machinery;to provide new andimproved Serial No. 514,788. (No model.)

means for preventing the cotton adhering or sticking to the compressing rolls which reduce the cotton to a compact bat or sheet preparatory to disposing or laying the latterin folds or laps; to provide a new and improved chute or conductor for guiding the bat or sheet in being subjected to .final pressure to expel the 7 air; and to provide novel and efficient pressing and folding mechanism.

The general characteristic features of my invention concisely stated reside in conducting the cotton from a condenser to a compressing mechanism by which the cotton is powerfully compressed into a comparatively compact bat or sheet and delivered in folds Y or laps into a folding chamber in which the folds or laps are held against expansion by a pressure folder and a platen which automatically recedes in the same vertical plane'when the pressure reaches or exceeds a pro-determined limit, the construction being such that when the requisite number of folds or laps have accumulated, they can be quickly deposited into a movable press-box or chamberfor transferring the bale or package to another point for the final pressure which expels the air, and for the application of the ties while the bale or package is held under pressure in the press-box or chamber.

Myinventionjinvolves thecombinations or arrangements of parts and the modeof operation hereinafter described and claimed,-

reference being made to the accompanying drawings,.in which- Figure 1 is a broken sideelevation of acotton compressing and baling apparatus embodying my inventionxsFig. 2 is a detail end elevation of the same; and Fig. 3 is a detail vertical sectional/view, showing the compressing rolls,t

position within the folding chamber.

In order to enable those skilled in the art fold-laying mechanism, the.- folding chambe and the platen in its elevated to make and use my invention, I will now describe the same in detail, referring to the drawings, wherein The numeral 1 indicates a main frame or supporting frame-work of any construction suitable for the purpose in hand, but which, in the present example, is composed of upright and horizontal timbers connected together in any proper manner.

The ginning machinery may be of any known or suitable type, and therefore I do not deem it necessary to illustrate the same, but simply indicate by the numeral 2 a condenser, which may be constructed in any proper manner and constitute a part of or be arranged in suitable relation to thegin orgins.

The compressing rolls 3, mounted in boxes at, are designed to run in superficial. contact, and the fiuffy cotton delivered thereto from the condenser through the medium of a suitable conduit 5 is powerfully compressed into a compact bat or sheet, which is delivered by a chute 6 to a pressure folder, or pressure and fold-laying mechanism, comprising a reciprocating carriage or frame 7, carrying two separated sets or gangs of pressure rollers 8 and'9, and endless or other appropriate belts 10 and 12 made of canvas or other material and passing respectively around the two sets or gangs of rollers, as best shown in Fig. 3. The compressing action of the rolls 8 may be regulated by means of adjusting screws, as at 13, Fig. 1, and these rolls may be rotated by a suitable pulley or wheel, mounted on the shaft of one of the rolls; but as any suitable belting or gearing can be employed for rotating the rolls further description and illustration are deemed unnecessary.

In ordinary roller compresses, as the cotton commences to pass down between the rolls, it is Very liable to adhere or stick to one or the other compressing roll and wrap around the same, which is an objectionable feature that I entirely avoid by providing a wiper- 45 roller 14 in operative connection with each compressing-roll, as shown in Fig. 1. The wiper-rollers may be of any suitable construction, but, as here shown, they are provided with free flaps 15 of any suitable material which operate to wipe the compressing rollers, prevent the bat or sheet adhering or sticking to either roll, and start the bat or sheet on its proper course into the chute 6 to the pressurefolder or pressure and fold-laying mechanism.

The wiper-rollers are rotated in any suitable manner in a direction the reverse of the direction of rotation of the compressing rolls, and these rollers are mounted on shafts 16, from which are suspended hangers 17, carrying cross-bars 18, sustaining the chute 6. This chute is extensible and retractible, and is suitablyconnected at its lower end with the side bars of the reciprocating carriage or frame 7, so that the chute is oscillated by the carriage or frame. The chute is made of two separate walls, each composed of two plates or sections 19 and 20, adapted to slide vertically one upon the other inany suitable manframe, and the oscillating movements of the chute. The slip-bolts are removable and replaceable, so that it is possible to readily gain access to the parts by removing the bolts and swinging back the walls of the chute. reciprocating movements of the carriage or frame the extensible and retractible construction of the chute is an important element.

The belts 10 and 12 which pass around the two sets or gangs of pressure rollers S and 9 are secured to tightener-bars 22, adapted to move vertically in suitable recesses 23 in the main frame, and so arranged that the edges of these recesses bear against portions of the belts, in such manner that by moving the bars downward, the belts are tightened for the purpose of presenting a smooth and even surface at all times to the cotton, and for compelling the outermost rollers to rotate as the carriage or frame is reciprocated. The tightener-bars are adjusted by means of screws 23*, secured thereto and having thumb-nuts 2* adapted to bear against portions of the main frame, in such manner that by screwing up the nuts, the tightener-bars will be depressed and tighten the endless belts. The tigh'tener-bars are very desirable features, in connection with the rollers journaled on the reciprocating carriage or frame, in that they render it possible to maintain proper tension on the belts and force the pressure-rollers to rotate during the operation of the carriage or frame. The tightener-bars are stationary as regards the, reciprocating movements of the carriage or frame, and therefore it is possible to adjust the tightener-bars while the carriage is in motion, which is very advantageous.

In operative connection with the pressure folder is arranged a folding chamber 25, Figs. 1 and 3, which may be of any suitable construction so long as it is adapted to receive the compacted bat or sheet, and also receive a platen 26 or 26, as hereinafter explained. The folding chamber is a walled in space partially or wholly closed at all sides to properly confine or retain the folded bat or sheet of cotton.

The folding-chamber 25 is arranged directly beneath the pressure-folder,,and in a plane below the folding-chamber is arranged a series of connected press-boxes or cham bers, one of which is adapted to be brought directly beneath the folding chamber, so that the platen 26 can be elevated therethrough, and caused to enter the folding chamber and lie in juxtaposition to the reciprocating carriage or frame. As the carriage or frame 7 In the FIG of the pressure folder reciprocates, the bat or sheet passing down between the two adjacent rollers of the sets of rollers 8 and 9, is continuously folded or lapped back and forth on the bagging previously laid on the platen, and the endless belts 10 and 12 are held by the bars 22, in such manner that tliebelts force the rollers to rotate and flatten and press down the folds or laps.

In the present example I have illustrated quired,and it communicates with an upright receiver or reservoir 35,-composed of a cylinder orstand-pipe of proper dimensions, all in a'manner similar toa hydrostatic press.

. The receiver or reservoir is designed to contain abody or column of water, or other liquid, and into the upper end of this receiver or reservoir extends a steam or other fluid pressure-pipe 36 having a three-way cook or valve 37,- and an exhaust or waste-pipe 38, in such manner that in one position of the cock or valve, the steam or other fluid can enter' the receiver or reservoir above the body of water or liquid therein, while in another position of the cock or valve the steam or other fluid will pass off through the exhaust or waste-pipe 38.

The communication between the cylinder 34 and the receiver or reservoir 35 is established through the medium of a pipe connection 39 having a cook 40, and from opposite sides of the cook 40 depend pipes 41 and 42, connected at their lower and upper portions by approximately horizontal pipes 243 and 44.

The pipe 43 is provided with a suitable pressure regulator 45, and the pipe 44 is supplied 7 with a suitable check-valve 46. The cook 40 is designed to be operated through the medium of a vertical stem or rod 47 extending to a point in' proximity to the three-way cook 'or valve 3'7, so that both can be conveniently manipulated by the attendantas occasion demands.

The carriage or frame 7 is designed to be reciprocated by any suitable mechanism, but

' preferably through the medium of cranks 47 and rods 43 connected at one end with the cranks and at the other end with the sides of the carriage or frame. The cranks 47 are mounted on a shaft 49 carrying a suitable wheel or pulley 50 adapted to be rotated in any suitable manner for rotating the cranks and imparting motion to the carriage or frame. In the practical operation of the improved apparatus, the compacted bat or sheet passes through the extensible and retractible chute to a point between the two sets or gangs of rollers 8 and 9, and, owing to the reciprocating motion of the carriage or frame, and the oscillatory motion of the chute, the bat or sheet of cotton is laid in folds or laps upon one of the platens 26 or 26 which has previously been elevated to the required position.

For the purpose of elevating the platen the three-way cook or valve 37 is operated to adinto the folding-chamber 25, in juxtaposition to the reciprocating carriage or frame, and after'the platen has been raised to the position mentioned, the three-way cook or valve is manipulated to cut off the steam fromthe receiver or reservoir, and the steam contained in the latter is permitted to escape through the exhaust side of the cook or valve, while the check-valve 46 holds the water in the hydraulic cylinder and prevents the plunger 33 and head 32 from descending.

The'bat or sheet of cotton, laid by the pressure folder in folds or laps upon the platen, as hereinbefore explained, causes the pressuret'older to be forced upward against the roller bearings or wheels 51 which are journaled on the main frame directly above the side bars of the carriage or frame 7. These roller-bearings or wheels hold the carriage or frame from further upward motion, and as the folds of cotton accumulate, the pressure on the platen increases until such pressure reaches the pointat which the pressure-regulator'45 has been set to open and permit some of the water to escape from the hydraulic cylinder into the receiver.

It is proper to here state that the pressureregulator may be of any ordinary valved construction which will automatically open at a pre-determined pressure, for which reason I do not deem it necessary to further describe or illustrate the same in detail. Inthe practical operation of the pressure-regulator, if it requires, for example, one hundred pounds pressure to the square inch to open the pressure-regulator, the plunger and head of the hydrostatic press will not recede until the pressure on the folds of cotton reaches or exceeds one hundred pounds, whereupon the plunger and its head, and the platen, will automatically recede, whereby the pressure on the folds remains uniform and from the beginning to the end of the folding operation above referred to the platen will be automati:

cotton 'is folded under the pressure exerted by the pressure-folder, I

ICC

'cally, gradually, and uniformly lowered as the by the attendant, and the water can then rap idly escape from the hydraulic cylinder 34 through pipe 39, into the receiveror reservoir 35, whereby the plunger 33 is caused to drop or quickly descend until the platen rests upon and is supported by the hooks, shoulders, or supports 52, Fig. 1, in which position the folded cotton lies Wholly within the pressbox or chamber, as for example the press-box or chamber 28. The press-boxes are now rotated horizontally for the purpose of placing the loaded box 28 over the screw or other baling press 53, and the empty press-box or chamber 27 beneath the folding chamber 25,. The press 53 is then operated to exert the final pressure to expel the air from between the folds, after which the ties are applied, so that a beautiful bale is obtained having a density equal to, or greater than that required in a compressed bale of cotton, such density being, at least, twenty-two and one-half (22%) pounds to each cubic foot in the bale. The flooring around the press-boxes or chambers rotates therewith, and the small quantity of cotton dropping from the pressure-folder, or fold-laying mechanism, while the press-boxes or chambers are being rotated, is picked up and laid upon the receiving platen as the latter rises, as hereinbefore explained.

When the press-boxes or chambers have been rotated, as above explained, to place the loaded box or chamber 28 over the screwpress 53, and the empty box or chamber 27 beneath the folding chamber 25, the threeway cook or valve 37 'is operated by the attendant to permit steam to enterthe receiver or reservoir 35, when the operations hereinbefore described are repeated.

The operation of lowering the receiving platen with the folded cotton thereuponand rotating the press-boxes or chambers can be accomplished very easily and quickly, and does not interfere with the continuous operation of the fold or lap-laying mechanism, or in fact with any other part of the apparatus.

When the pressboxes or chambers are turned or rotated, as above mentioned, and

. while the cotton is being folded on the receivin g platen, the screw or other baling-press is operated to raise it against the loaded platen, and thus expel the air from between the folds or laps of cotton which have been previously compressed, for the purpose of reducing the folds or laps to the required density, and to enable the ties to be applied while the bale is held under pressure.

The screw-press illustrated is a simple type of press suitable for the purpose in hand, but it is obvious that in order to impart this final pressure to the folded cotton, any ordinary or desired construction of press can be employed without afiecting the spirit of my invention.

In the operation'of the apparatus, as above explained, the folded bat or sheet of cotton is transferred to the screw or other press, while it is contained in one of the movable pressboxes or chambers, and this is important, in that it materially facilitates the transfer of the folded cotton from beneath the pressurefolder or fold-laying mechanism to the point where it is to receive the final pressure and be tied.

In my invention the folding chamber and the platen are disconnected from the pressure-folder, and do not reciprocate with the latter, while the platen always moves in the same vertical plane until the folded cotton is transferred. For this reason I am enabled to employa hydrostatic press in the manner and i for the purposes hereinbefore explained.

The compressing rolls act upon the cotton fibers progressively as they are delivered thereto from the condenser, the operation being such that while individual portions of the hat or sheet are powerfully compressed the fibers are not injured and the commercial value of the article is not diminished.

I have only described my invention for compressing and baling cotton, but obviously the improved apparatus may be used for com pressing and baling other materials.

It has heretofore been proposed to use in baling apparatus a reciprocating carriage having a series of pressure-rollers journaled therein and adapted to take the cotton from the ginning machinery and deposit it in folds on a bed adapted to recede and between which and the carriage the folds or layers are pressed, the ties being applied prior to removing the pressed bale from between the carriage and bed. The prior apparatus is not practicable for effective and rapid work, and

is objectionable for many reasons, chiefly, however, because the ginning machinery must cease action, or the supply of cotton to the carriage be discontinued or interrupted while the ties are being applied, and because the density of the bale is dependent entirely on the pressure exerted by the carriage, no provision being made for greater pressure than is placed upon the cotton by said carriage during the fold-laying operation.

My invention is clearly distinguished from prior apparatus as above stated, in that as a folding chamber is arranged above a movable press-box, it is unnecessary to discontinue or interrupt the action of the ginning machincry, the continuity of action of the fold or laying mechanism need not be interfered with, a strong and uniform pressure in the folding chamber is preserved from start to finish to hold the folds from expanding, the fluffy bat or massfrom the ginning machinery is first subjected to a great preliminary pressure between suitable rolls, so that every part of the cotton is compressed uniformly and in detail, and the bat or sheet is placed in the proper and best condition to facilitate the subsequent manipulation by the pressure- :on and moving the press-boxes can all be accomplished quickly, easily, and conveniently without interfering in any manner with the operation of the pressure-folder, or other parts of the apparatus.

Havingthus described my invention, what I claim is"- 1. The combination of a reciprocating pressurefolder, and a folding-chamber below the latter, with a series of rotatable press-boxes or chambers, movable successively into operative connection with the pressure-folder for receiving and transferring the bale from the pressure-folder to another position for the application of final pressure to expel the air, substantially as described.

2. The combination of a pressure-folder,

and a folding-chamber arranged below the latter, with a series of press-boxes or chambers, movable successively into operative connection with the folding-chamber for receiving and transferring the bale to another position for the application of final pressure to expel the air, substantially as described.

3. The combination of a reciprocating press ure-folder and a folding-chamber below the latter, with a series of press-boxes or chambers, one of which is movable from beneath the pressure-folder while another moves into V c operative connection therewith, substantially as described. a

4. The combination of a pressure-folder,

and a folding-chamber arranged beneath the same, with a series of rotatable press-boxes or chambers, one of which moves from bedescribed.

neath the pressure-folder to apressing mechanism while another moves into position beneath the pressure-folder, substantially as 5. The combination of areciprocating pressure-folder and-a folding-chamber below the latter, with a two-box rotary press for transferring the bale from the pressure-folder to a position where other mechanism may exert final pressure to expel the air, substantially as described.

6. The combination of a pressure-folder,

with a vertically movable platen, a hydrostatic press for raising the platen in juxtapocolumn,'and means for partially releasing 1 the fluid pressure and permitting the platen to recede from the pressure-folder when the pressure on the cotton reaches a certain point,

substantially as described.

8. The combination of a pressure -folder,

with a platen movable vertically in j uxtaposition to the pressure-folder, a hydrostatic press for supporting the platen, and an automatic pressure-regulator for partially releas-= ing the fluid pressure and permitting the plunger of the press to automatically recede during the operation of the pressurefolder, substantially as described.

9. The combination of a pressure-folder, with a series of press-boxes or chambers, one of which is movable from beneath the pressure-folder while another moves into operative connection therewith, a platen movable vertically through each press-box or chamber in juxtaposition to the pressure-folder when its press-box is brought into operative connection withthe latter, and mechanism operating to permit'the platen to automatically recede and to hold the cottonunder a uniform predetermined pressure from the upper to the lower portion of thepress-box during the operation of the pressure folder, substantially as described.

10. The combination of a pressure-folder, with a series of press-boxes or chambers, one of which moves from beneath the pressure folder [while another moves into operative connection therewith, a platen movable vertically through each press-box or chamber in juxtaposition to the pressure-folder when its vpress-box is brought into operative 00111160.,

tion with the latter, a hydrostatic press for supporting the platen, and means connected therewith for causing the press-plunger to automatically recede during the action of the pressure-folder, substantially as described.

11. The combination of a pressure-folder, with a series of press-boxes or chambers, one of which is movable from beneath the pressure-folder while another moves intooperative connection therewith, a platen movable vertically through each press-box or chamber in juxtaposition to the pressure-folder when its'press box is brought into operative connection with the latter, a hydrostatic press for supporting the platen, and a pressure regulator for partially releasing the fluid pressure. and permitting the press-plunger to automatically recede during the operation of the pressure-folder, substantially as described.

12. The combination of a pressurefolder, with a platen, steam and hydraulic apparatus for supporting the platen, and an automatically operated valve for partially releasing the 14:. The combination of a pressure-folder, with rotatable pressboxes or chambers, a

platen movable through each pressbox or chamber, steam and hydraulic apparatus for raising and supporting the platen, and an automatically operated valve for partially releasing the fluid-pressure whereby the platen automatically recedes during the operation of the pressure-folder, substantially as described. I

15. The combination of a pressure-folder, with a two-box-revolving press, a platen movable through each press-box in juxtaposition to the pressurefolder, steam and hydraulic apparatus for supporting the platen in operative connection with the pressure-folder when its press-box is brought into operative connection with the latter, and an automatically operated valve forpartially releasing the fluid pressure, whereby the platen automatically recedes during the operation of the pressurefolder, substantially as described.

16. The combination of a pressure-folder, with a folding chamber arranged below the same a press-box beneath the folding chamber, a platen movable Vertically through the folding-chamber into operative connection with the pressure-folder, a hydrostatic press for raising and supporting the platen, and means whereby the platen automatically recedes during the operation of the pressurefolder, substantially as described.

17. The combination of a pressure-folder, with a platen movableinto operative connection therewith to receive the folds therefrom, a plunger and fluid cylinder to raise and support the platen, and means for partially releasing the fluid pressure in the cylinder and permitting the plunger and platen to recede during the operation of the pressure-folder, substantially as described. v

18. The combination of a pressure-folder, witha folding-chamber arranged beneath the pressure-folder, and a horizontally movable press-box or chamber which receives the folded material from the foldingchamber and transfers the same to another point for final pressure and the application of the bale ties, substantially as described.

19. The combination of a suitable balingpress, with a pressure-folder, a folding-cham ber arranged beneath the pressure-folder, and a press-box or chamber movable into and out of operative connection with the foldingchamber for transferring the folded material from said folding-chamber to the baling press for the application of final pressure, substantially as described.

20. The combination of baling-p ress devices, a hydrostatic press in relation thereto, a series of movable press-boxes, one of which is movable over the hydrostatic press while another is movable into connection with the balingpress devices, a pressurefolder, platens which are each raised and supported by the hydrostatic press in turn, and a pressure-regulator for permitting the hydrostatic press-plunger and platen supported thereby to automatically recede during the operation of the pressure-folder when the pressure on the platen reaches a pro-determined limit, substantially as described.

21. The combination of baling-press devices, a hydrostatic press, a series of rotary pressboxes, one of which is movable over the hydro-. static press while another is movable into connection with the baling-p'ress devices, a pressure-folder above the hydrostatic press, platens which are each raised and supported by the hydrostatic press in turn, and a pressure-regulator for permitting the hydrostatic plunger and platen supported thereby to automatically recede during the operation of the pressilte-fOldBl when the pressure on the platen as described. I

.22. The combination with compressing devices for compacting cotton into a bat or sheet, of apressure-folden and press-boxes movable reaches a predetermined limit substantially successively into operative connection with -the pressure-folder for receiving the folded bat or sheet and transferring it to another point for final pressure, substantially as described.

23. The combination with compressing-rolls for compacting cotton into a bat or sheet, and a folding-chamber below the compressingrolls, of a pressure-folder between the compressing rolls and the folding-chamber, and press-boxes arranged below the folding-chamber and movable successively into operative connection with the folding-chamber for receiving the folded bat or sheet and transferring it to another point for final pressure, substantially as described.

24. The combination with the two compress" ing-rolls, of wiper-rollers mounted respectively in juxtaposition to thelsaid compressing-rolls for preventing the bat or sheet adhering thereto and between which the bat or sheet travels to folding devices, substantially as described.

25. The combination with the compressingrolls for compacting cotton into a bat or sheet, and folding mechanism, of wiperrollers mounted in juxtaposition to the compressingrolls for preventing the bat or sheet adhering to the compressing-rolls and between which the bat or sheet travels to the folding mechanism, substantially as described.

26. The combination with the compressingrolls for compacting cotton into abat or sheet, and a reciprocating folding mechanism, of a chute interposed between the compressingrolls and the folding mechanism, and wiperrollers arranged at the upper end of the chute in juxtaposition to the compressing-rolls for preventing the bat or sheet adhering to the compressing-rolls and between which the'bat extensible and retractible chute interposed" between the compressing-rolls and folding mechanismand pivotally connected with the latter, and wiper-rollers mounted at the upper end of the chute injuxtaposition to the compressing-rolls for preventing the bat or sheet adhering thereto and directing the same into the chute, substantially as described.

28. The combinationwith compressing devices for compacting cotton into a bat or sheet, and a reciprocating folding mechanism adapted to move horizontally, of an extensible and retract-ible chute interposed between the compressing-rolls and folding mechanism and pivotally connected with the latter, substantially asdescribed;

29. The combination with compressing devices for compacting cotton into a bat or sheet,

and reciprocating folding mechanism, of an extensible and retractible chute interposed between the compressing devices and folding mechanism and connected with the latter, substantially as described.

30. The combination with compressing devices for compacting cotton into a bat or sheet,

of reciprocating folding mechanism, and an extensible andretractible chute pivotally connected with and oscillated by the folding mechanism, substantially as described.

31. The combination with compressing devices for compacting cotton into a hat or sheet, and reciprocating folding mechanism, of a pivotally mounted .chute composed of oppositely arranged extensible and retractible walls and interposed between the compressing devices and the folding mechanism, and connections between the chute and the folding mechanism whereby the chute is oscillated thereby, substantially as described.

' 32. The combination with compressing devices for compacting cotton into a bat or sheet, a reciprocating carriage provided with sets or gangs of rollers, and belts extending around the rollers, of tightener'bars connected respectively with the belts and held against horizontal movement by engagement with the frame of the machine, and devices for verti- ;cally adjusting the tightener-bars tovtighten the belts on the rollers, substantially as described.

The combination with compressing devices for compacting cotton into a bat or sheet, a folding chamber, and a reciprocating carriage arranged between the compressing devices and the folding-chamber, and provided 

